TED 2007: Richard Branson talks Virgin Brides, near-death experience

Branson, of course, is the head of the Virgin empire, which ranges from Virgin Records to Virgin Vodka.

“I see life as one long learning process,” Branson said. “If I fly on someone’s airline and find it’s not pleasant, then maybe I can create an airline I can fly on.”

That happened 21 years ago. Since then he’s also had his not-so-successful ventures, such as Virgin Brides, a bridal shop. “We couldn’t find any customers,” he joked.

He also recounted his experience in a hot air balloon, when he almost died when the balloon malfunctioned. He was eventually able to pilot it back down to the ocean, but before he did, he wrote letters to his family.